Vaccination has revolutionised control of infectious disease in our pets. It is essential that all pets are adequately vaccinated to help protect the pet population as a whole. Responsible pet care requires puppies to be given their initial course of vaccinations, but this cannot protect them for the rest of their lives. Adult dogs require regular vaccination to maintain immunity against disease.
Your puppy’s first vaccination can be given from when they are 6-8 weeks old.
Your puppy needs 2 booster vaccinations to generate enough immunity to protect them.
Their booster vaccines must be given 3-4 weeks apart and one of them must be after the puppy is 12 weeks old as this is the age at which the immunity from the puppy’s mother is decreasing.
10-14 days after your puppy has finished their course of vaccinations, they can be taken to public areas.
One year after receiving their third and final vaccination as a puppy, your dog needs to have their first booster vaccination as an adult. These are given annually for the rest of your pet’s life to keep your dog fully protected.
Some newer vaccines last for longer and therefore do not require annual booster vaccinations. Please discuss your pets needs with one of our team.
Canine parvovirus is a disease that affects dogs of all ages but is most serious in young pups and older dogs. The virus attacks the intestines causing bloodstained diarrhoea, uncontrollable vomiting and severe abdominal pain. Dogs often die from severe dehydration despite intensive veterinary care. It is not necessary to have direct contact with other dogs for the disease to be spread. The virus is so persistent that the infected dog’s environment needs to be cleaned with a potent disinfectant to prevent spread to other dogs. Outbreaks occur regularly throughout Australia, especially in summer.
Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect dogs of any age with young puppies being at highest risk. Symptoms vary but can include fever, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and depression. Muscle tremors, fits and paralysis usually occur later in the disease. Treatment is usually ineffective and the recovery rate very low. Dogs that do recover may have permanent brain damage.
Canine hepatitis is a viral disease which, like distemper is extremely contagious and often fatal. Dogs of any age can become infected, however severe cases are rare in dogs over two years of age. Symptoms include high fever, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and acute abdominal pain. In severe cases death can occur within 24 to 36 hours. Dogs that recover may develop long term liver and kidney problems and can act as carriers spreading the disease to other dogs for many months.
Canine cough is a condition produced by several highly infectious diseases, which can be easily spread wherever dogs congregate, such as parks, shows, obedience schools and boarding kennels. Among the infectious agents associated with canine cough is the bacterium known as Bordetella bronchiseptica and the canine viruses parainfluenza, adenovirus type 2 and distemper. Affected dogs have a dry hacking cough which can persist for several weeks. It is distressing for pet dogs and their owners. It is a major problem for working and sporting dogs. Pneumonia can also be a consequence of infection.
Canine coronavirus is another contagious virus and causes depression, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea especially in young dogs. Diarrhoea may last for several days in some cases. Although most dogs will recover with treatment, coronavirus has the potential to be fatal, especially if other infectious agents such as parvovirus are present.
Canine leptospirosis is a serious disease risk in some areas and can cause high death rates. It is spread by the urine of rats and is usually transmitted to dogs by contaminated food and water, or by rat bites. There's an increased risk where high rat populations exist such as rubbish dumps or green sugar cane cutting areas. Incidence can also increase after long periods of wet weather, when rat populations are forced to move or concentrate. Leptospirosis is an animal disease that can be passed to humans who may then suffer a persisting flu-like illness.
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Contact usWe service the following areas:
Clarence Town, Seaham, Glen William, Glen Martin, Glen Oak, Brookfield, Dungog, East Seaham, Eagleton, Nelsons Plains, Wallarobba, Wallalong, Booral, Girvan, Bulladelah, Stroud, Limeburners Creek, Hilldale, Gresford, Vacy, Duns Creek, Allworth, Hawks Nest, North Arm Cove, Pindimar, Karuah, Swan Bay. Paterson, Butterwick and The Maitland area.